1
as in sheath
something that encloses another thing especially to protect it
eating oysters straight out of their shells
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in structure
the arrangement of parts that gives something its basic form
workers at the shipyard have thus far erected the shell of the ship
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in exterior
an outer part or layer
the shell of the building is all glass, making it conspicuous on a street with mostly limestone facades
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shell
Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Feeding Our Future informant testified that Dar al Farooq’s food site was operated by Ibrham’s shell company, Mind Foundry, also known as ThinkTechAct.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2026
Ryan Brennan
april 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026
Paul Skenes clamps down after a first-inning homer, and Washington’s bullpen gets shelled in a 16-5 defeat.
—Danielle Allentuck, Washington Post, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shell
Noun
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) announced in mid-April that its archaeologists had found a mortar shell at Culloden Battlefield, just outside Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.
—Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
Feeding Our Future informant testified that Dar al Farooq’s food site was operated by Ibrham’s shell company, Mind Foundry, also known as ThinkTechAct.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
Their diet likely included large fish, shelled cephalopods and clams.
—Ryan Brennan
april 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2026
Paul Skenes clamps down after a first-inning homer, and Washington’s bullpen gets shelled in a 16-5 defeat.
—Danielle Allentuck, Washington Post, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shell
Noun
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Their Bartolucci Vineyard 2021 has enticing aromas of cocoa powder, black raspberry, and red cherry that transition to flavors of blackberry, cassis, and pencil lead, all wrapped in a velvety tannic sheath.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
24 Apr. 2026
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His conclusion created a possible opening for Kohberger’s defense to prevent the sheath — and the DNA found on it — from being introduced at trial, Turvey said.—
Kevin Fixler
April 23,
Idaho Statesman,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Moon moves through your 10th House of Visibility, where your structure is more noticeable.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
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Last fall, OpenAI overhauled its structure again to become a public benefit corporation, in which the nonprofit and other investors including Microsoft hold stakes.—
Deepa Seetharaman,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Another stadium change sparks old NFL debate While the Mercedes-Benz logos will be returned to their place on the facade after the tournament, Atlanta Stadium's exterior isn't the only area experiencing a major change.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
29 Apr. 2026
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Beyond the stylish exterior, it’s packed with practical safety details, including a locking zipper compartment, slash-resistant construction, and an additional zippered interior pocket to keep valuables tucked away.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Much earlier, in 1983, a plot by the IRA to bomb a Duran Duran concert at the Dominion Theatre was discovered.—
StyleCaster Editors,
StyleCaster,
29 Apr. 2026
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Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Israeli military personnel that the terms of the ceasefire with Lebanon allow Israel to continue bombing throughout the country.—
Mustafa Qadri,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Prosecutors said shell casings from the gun matched those that were recovered at the hospital.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Later, however, an indictment alleged that shell casings found at that scene matched the 9mm gun in his possession when he was arrested.—
Jason Meisner,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The city’s nightlife offerings — including everything from concert venues and nightclubs to some wine bars and restaurants — are set to see a major overhaul this year as the city’s licensing department proposes changes to its regulatory framework for them.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
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How Power Surges Damage Appliances and Electronics Understanding how power surges can damage your electronics provides a basic framework for planning preventive measures to minimize the risk in your home.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In spite of their initial resistance, Didion’s writing pulls buried recollections to the surface.—
Maddie Connors,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Kay isn’t some kind of unhinged chaos agent or emotional thrill-seeker (well, maybe just a little), but rather an adventurous artist eager to dig deep beneath the surface.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Much like a dog that barks at every little noise and passerby, my skin is reactive.—
Devon Abelman,
Allure,
24 Apr. 2026
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Two soldiers, hands in the air, surrendering and carefully following the orders barked at them by the other side.—
Ivana Kottasová,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shell. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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